Rapid Redux’s chances of racing again in 2011 uncertain

New Year’s Eve looks like only chance to break single-year wins record

By Stephen Whyno -
The Washington Times -
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Rapid Redux has made plenty of history in recent weeks — setting a record with 21 wins in a row and 19 in 2011, tying a record. But breaking that mark of victories in a calendar year would require another race, and his owner is unsure if that will happen.

The 5-year-old captured the sixth race at Laurel Park to extend his impressive winning streak, but the future is still unclear.

“Well, he came out of the race great. He’s had no problems at all this morning,” owner Robert Cole said in a phone interview Wednesday. “Other than that, we don’t have a clue what we’re doing.”

Trainer David Wells was clear about the only possibility of Rapid Redux racing again this year.

“The only shot is a race somewhere on New Year’s Eve,” Wells said. “That’s going to be the minimum amount of days it’s going to take.”

Cole said “never say never” but added that he tends to agree with his trainer’s assessment. No plan is set, but Cole said there was a possible race that fit the bill at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 31. He added that the track has offered to pay for Rapid Redux’s shipping to Florida.

But nothing has been committed to yet.

“I can’t tell you what we’re going to do. That’s a long way to go,” said Cole, who lives in Maryland. “There’s nothing much scheduled around here; he needs a couple weeks before he runs again. … I don’t know whether he’ll run before the end of the year or not.”